HP dumps iTunes

HP HAS ENDED ended its two-year policy of distributing Apple Computer's iTunes software with its new PCs and is switching to RealNetworks' Rhapsody music service.

The move follows HP's decision to stop making its HP-branded version of the iPod. Rhapsody will start appearing on machines in Spring and HP customers will get a free 30-day trial subscription to RealNetworks' music subscription service.

The deal with Apple started two years ago at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. At the time HP Chief Executive Officer Carly Fiorina, peace be upon her, made a song and dance about the fact that HP was getting into the music biz.

However, despite an attempt and distributing its own iPod, the company ultimately found that its line of music players often lagged behind the Apple-branded devices.

More here. µ